Different accents, references, stories, and sounds meet in Brasil Plural, a compilation from Marã Música arriving on digital platforms on August 21st, featuring 12 artists representing ten Brazilian states. Between original compositions and new interpretations, the project seeks to construct a portrait of the country’s musical diversity, bringing together local scenes and distinct trajectories in a single work. In an interview, the artists discuss their participation in the compilation, the relationship between music and regional identity, and the importance of creating spaces capable of revealing a Brazil that doesn’t have a single voice, but countless ways of expressing itself.
“Brasil Plural” was created with the aim of celebrating the different voices, accents, and sounds of the country. At what point did you realize that the diversity of Brazilian music could be transformed into a compilation of this scope?
Every day we talk to musicians from all over Brazil, with the most diverse ways of thinking and different voices to express themselves. The idea came naturally from this daily interaction. Decentralizing art and culture is also a way of making art.
The project brings together 12 artists from ten states, creating a mosaic of local scenes, distinct trajectories, and regional identities. How was it to conceive a curatorial approach capable of representing this plurality without reducing Brazil to a single idea of Brazilianness?
Even with all this energy dedicated, we still ended up leaving some states out, but who knows, maybe in a future edition, haha. The curation was done by combining possibilities and moments. There are artists who are already on our label, artists we’ve hosted for shows and ended up inviting to participate, and also names that we interact with daily, at shows – a combination of factors.
This compilation blends previously unreleased tracks with new interpretations of songs already known by the participating artists. What does this combination reveal about contemporary Brazilian music, between memory, reinvention, and discovery?
Everything can always be new! Even if it’s not that new, haha. The way we see things, how we present ourselves, how we reinvent ourselves. Brazilian music is very vast, and we preferred to leave that decision to the artist. He would have to record the compilation version live, but he could choose the track according to his career stage and marketing strategy within his current releases.
Beyond the music release, “Brasil Plural” also unfolds into interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. Why was it important to show not only the songs, but also the stories and creative processes behind them?
Everything is part of the final work. The way it was printed, how it was created, how it was carried until it reached our ears. We strongly believe in the process as a whole, and that’s why we made sure to document every step of this project, so we can transmit to everyone the energy from all corners of Brazil that it carries.
“Adiante,” performed by André Prando, features a previously unreleased composition by Sérgio Sampaio, a key figure in the culture of Espírito Santo. How does this track help connect homage, artistic heritage, and the affirmation of regional identity?
It was one of the pillars of our project: to truly connect with the culture of every corner of Brazil. The idea of having local composers, in addition to the artists, makes a lot of sense. This track by André is one of the most beautiful in the project, and we’re eager to see it resonate with the audience with all the power it carries.
André Prando discusses leaving traces, moving forward, and engaging with the work of an artist who passed away too soon but left a profound mark. What role can this compilation play in preserving and circulating these musical memories?
The compilation will certainly be listened to by a very diverse audience, and that’s what we wanted. To build and leave this mark for future generations, to show that Brazil and Brazilian culture have great strength and representation. And there’s nothing better than a “dialogue” to prove that to everyone, haha.
The partnership between Marã Música and Lado Bê Music places collaboration at the heart of the project. What happens when artists from different regions and backgrounds come together in the same creative space?
They create, connect, and get to know each other even better. And the public and art as a whole are the ones who benefit from all of this. The Lado Bê studio and Eric, the studio owner, bought into our idea and the project concept. They understood the importance of a well-made connection, and the result is there for everyone to hear.
“Brasil Plural” arrives as a sonic portrait of a diverse, creative, and transforming country. What kind of listening experience do you hope to evoke in the audience as they experience these ten tracks?
A real and emotional listening experience. With each track, you immerse yourself in a different culture, a different reality, and a unique life. You can close your eyes and take a trip through Brazil in just a few minutes of listening. We hope you enjoy it. A big hug to everyone. (Henrique Roncoletta – Marã Música)
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